We've updated our
Privacy Policy effective December 15. Please read our updated Privacy Policy and tap

Study Guides > Prealgebra

Identifying Points on the Rectangular Coordinate System

Learning Outcomes

  • Name the ordered pair of a point on a coordinate system

In algebra, being able to identify the coordinates of a point shown on a graph is just as important as being able to plot points. To identify the x-coordinate of a point on a graph, read the number on the x-axis directly above or below the point. To identify the y-coordinate of a point, read the number on the y-axis directly to the left or right of the point. Remember, to write the ordered pair using the correct order [latex]\left(x,y\right)[/latex].

example

Name the ordered pair of each point shown: The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axis each run from -7 to 7. The point Solution Point A is above [latex]-3[/latex] on the [latex]x\text{-axis}[/latex], so the [latex]x\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]-3[/latex]. The point is to the left of [latex]3[/latex] on the [latex]y\text{-axis}[/latex], so the [latex]y\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]3[/latex]. The coordinates of the point are [latex]\left(-3,3\right)[/latex]. Point B is below [latex]-1[/latex] on the [latex]x\text{-axis}[/latex], so the [latex]x\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]-1[/latex]. The point is to the left of [latex]-3[/latex] on the [latex]y\text{-axis}[/latex], so the [latex]y\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]-3[/latex]. The coordinates of the point are [latex]\left(-1,-3\right)[/latex]. Point C is above [latex]2[/latex] on the [latex]x\text{-axis}[/latex], so the [latex]x\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]2[/latex]. The point is to the right of [latex]4[/latex] on the [latex]y\text{-axis}[/latex], so the [latex]y\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]4[/latex]. The coordinates of the point are [latex]\left(2,4\right)[/latex]. Point D is below [latex]4[/latex] on the [latex]x-\text{axis}[/latex], so the [latex]x\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]4[/latex]. The point is to the right of [latex]-4[/latex] on the [latex]y\text{-axis}[/latex], so the [latex]y\text{-coordinate}[/latex] of the point is [latex]-4[/latex]. The coordinates of the point are [latex]\left(4,-4\right)[/latex].
 

try it

[ohm_question]146915[/ohm_question]
 

example

Name the ordered pair of each point shown: The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axis each run from -7 to 7. The point

Answer: Solution

Point A is on the x-axis at [latex]x=-4[/latex] . The coordinates of point A are [latex]\left(-4,0\right)[/latex] .
Point B is on the y-axis at [latex]y=-2[/latex] The coordinates of point B are [latex]\left(0,-2\right)[/latex] .
Point C is on the x-axis at [latex]x=3[/latex] . The coordinates of point C are [latex]\left(3,0\right)[/latex] .
Point D is on the y-axis at [latex]y=1[/latex] . The coordinates of point D are [latex]\left(0,1\right)[/latex] .

 

try it

[ohm_question]146919[/ohm_question]
   

Licenses & Attributions

CC licensed content, Original

  • Question ID 146919, 146915, 146888, 146887, 146886, 146885, 146883. Authored by: Lumen Learning. License: CC BY: Attribution.

CC licensed content, Specific attribution